El Lazo - The Clint Ryan Series

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  The choir accompanied by the faithful, rose in song with “El Alabado.” An altar boy in a red cossack and white surplice, or frock, strode out, beginning the procession. He carried a large cross, and on either side of him and slightly behind, another altar boy carried a tall golden candlestick. He was followed by the aristocratic Californio women and girls, including Juana and Isidora, almost all dressed in lace. They walked two abreast, singing and carrying candles, their faces and heads covered by intricate lace mantillas, some staked with jeweled combs. Behind them Chumash women, the more simple rebozas covering their heads, fell into line, and behind them came men and boys of the gente de razón, some carrying church banners, hats in hands or hanging down their backs. The Chumash men, bareheaded and barefoot in simple jerga, also carried a number of beautiful banners and followed the men of the gente de razón. Then little girls, two by two, led twelve men bearing lighted candles in tall silver candlesticks, representing the twelve Apostles. Next came small girls of aristocratic parentage, including a six-year-old Camacho girl, Margarita. Like the other girls, she carried a Chumash basket filled with flower petals and scattered them as she walked. Finally, in all his splendor, the faithful stretched before him for a quarter mile, Padre Javier fell into line.

  Four of the pueblo’s most prominent citizens carried a canopy of fine white silk fringed in gold over the priest. On each side marched a dozen soldados in full leather armor and helmet, each with Bilboa sword drawn and laid on his shoulders—the guards of the Scared Host. In front of Padre Javier, two neophytes swung silver censers before the monstrance, anointing the air with incense. Two more carried silver incense boats, and a finely robed deacon held each corner of the priest’s trailing cape.

  The procession made its way into the street, and as the Corpus Christi neared, the observers dropped to their knees and crossed themselves.

  They passed the first shrine, and as he would at each, Padre Javier paused and blessed the shrine as the participants’ voices rose with the hymn Tantum Ergo.”

  The padre could not help it. His chest filled with pride.